School welcome pack for ethnic minorities

A new welcome pack for ethnic minorities has been launched today from the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS).

The pack will help the growing ethnic population to access current information on educational opportunities available to their children within the Catholic Maintained Schools sector.

It has been compiled in a response to a growing ethnic community in Northern Ireland and is produced in four languages. The pack also contains a range of information for parents and children, including school addresses and registration forms.

The publication was formally launched at the Lagan Island Centre in Lisburn. In attendance, were representatives from the education sector, ethnic community groups, and representatives from the American, Lithuanian, Portuguese and Filipino consulates.

They were addressed by the Archbishop of Ireland, Most Reverend Sean Brady and the Minister for Education, Caitriona Ruane MLA and Chief Executive of CCMS, Donal Flanagan.

Speaking after the launch, Mr Flanagan, said: “Today’s launch is a recognition that society in Northern Ireland is becoming more culturally diverse with an increasing number of people from other countries and cultures coming to live here.

“This enriches the cultural context in which people are living but also presents a challenge for schools and society in general, to be aware and to have structures, policies and practices in place to ensure that the needs of all children and adults are met.

“This is the challenge of inclusiveness. It is a challenge which Catholic Schools will continue to meet.”

All Ireland Primate, Archbishop Sean Brady, who was also at the event, said: “The challenge for all of us who have witnessed decades of conflict and social unrest must be to create a more inclusive society where the promotion of reconciliation and respect for diversity becomes a priority for all, particularly within our schools.”

(JM/KMcA)